Experimental Design
Motivated by the persistent gender gap in labor force participation in Latin America, this study seeks to understand how traditional gender norms, particularly those related to caregiving responsibilities, influence intrahousehold decisions about labor market participation. The study will address the following questions: What are the prevailing gender norms related to labor market participation in Bogotá, Colombia, and to what extent does pluralistic ignorance uphold these norms? Can a simple intervention, such as an informational text message, effectively alter perceptions of gender norms and influence behaviors related to job search and labor force participation? How does intrahousehold decision-making about labor outcomes and access to accurate information influence employment outcomes?
We employ a mixed-methods approach using both survey data and a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Stage 1 involves measuring pluralistic ignorance through an in-person survey of 1,200 individuals (1600 men and 1600 women) in Bogotá. Stage 2 is the RCT, where participants will be randomly assigned to treatment and control groups, stratified by employment status and first order beliefs. The treatment group will receive information about actual societal beliefs on female labor force participation, while the control group will receive general labor market information. Outcomes will be measured during the intervention and through a follow-up survey.
A growing body of literature points to the significant role that gender norms play in shaping labor market outcomes, particularly for women. Gender norms, which are societal expectations and beliefs about appropriate roles and behaviors for men and women, can impact individuals' decisions regarding work and employment opportunities. The sources highlight that these norms often revolve around caregiving responsibilities, with women traditionally shouldering a larger share of domestic and care work. This unequal distribution of unpaid labor can limit women's opportunities for paid employment and contribute to the gender gap in labor force participation.
This study builds on prior research highlighting the negative impacts of gender norms on female labor force participation. It contributes to the literature by examining the role of pluralistic ignorance in perpetuating these norms and exploring the potential of information interventions to shift perceptions and behaviors. The study also adds to the understanding of these dynamics within the Latin American context